DA says Freedom Day means nothing with Walmer residents living in fear

Port Elizabeth - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape says the message of Freedom Day rings hollow whilst residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, and especially Walmer Township, are still living in fear of criminals.

On Saturday, DA supporters marched to demand that the Fountain Avenue Satellite Police Station in Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth, be reopened immediately.

"I have been driving this issue over the past two years and will also submit a petition to the Eastern Cape Legislature."

He said that the Fountain Avenue Satellite Station was shut down by the ANC government in 2017 after being repeatedly vandalised.

"Since then the doors of this station, situated in one of the most crime ridden area in Nelson Mandela Bay, have remained closed. The DA has been fighting for almost a year to have the station reopened," Stevenson said.

"Residents of the Walmer Township, and other parts of the city, live in constant fear of the criminal element, and are ongoing victims of violent crime, including assassinations.

"This is a direct result of the lack of visible policing and the enforcement of law and order in our community."

'Walmer, Port Elizabeth, among areas most affected by crime'

Stevenson said that the DA is deeply saddened by the ongoing loss of life, and in particular the high rate of violent crime in Walmer Township, which includes murder, assault GBH, robberies, domestic violence and rape.

"We also express our concern with regard to the abuse of drugs and liquor, especially amongst the youth."

Responding to the 2018/2019 annual Crime Statics released by the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, on Thursday - which also painted a bleak picture about safety in the Eastern Cape province, Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, said there...